The use of ultrasonography in the diagnostic of meniscus lesions in the dog

The objective of the presented study was to investigate the suitability of ultrasonography for diagnostic investigation of meniscal diseases in the dog. Examinations were made using a 5-10 MHz linear and a 5-9 MHz microconvex scanner. The menisci of 100 dogs showing clinically diseases of the stifle joint were examined. Following sonography arthrotomy was performed thus allowing a comparison of sonographic and intraoperative findings. In 40 dogs 49 lesions of the menisci could be detected by arthrotomy. Using ultrasonography only 24 (48.98%) were correctly diagnosed whereas 25 (51.02%) were not or wrong diagnosed. According to these data a sensitivity of 48.9% and a specitivity of 99.3% can be calculated. Meniscus sonography is a good complement of clinical and x-ray examinations. It is in particular suited for dogs with a body weight of 11 to 50 kg.